Montana State University paleontology professors Frankie Jackson, left, and David Varricchio apply a plaster cast to a fossil found during a field session at Egg Mountain in the Beatrice Taylor Field Research Station near Choteau, Montana.

Photo by Kelly Gorham, courtesy of Montana State University

Montana State University is home to the Museum of the Rockies, a world-class dinosaur research facility where cutting-edge science happens every day. By opening its doors to every child, student, and community in the state of Montana, the museum transforms the world—one person at a time—by sparking curiosity in learners of all ages.

For instance, visitors to the museum will encounter the fascinating and world-renowned research of Dr. Jack Horner, whose complex scientific findings are translated into information that even young children can comprehend. Paleontology, the study of prehistoric life, provides a gateway to the exploration of science for everyone from students in the classroom to scientists in the field.

Montana State University paleontology students search for fossils on Egg Mountain against a backdrop of the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana during a summer field course.

Photo by Kelly Gorham, courtesy of Montana State University

Behind this incredible dinosaur exhibition is an internationally recognized paleontology program at Montana State University. Graduates from the university have gone on to make giant strides in dinosaur research. These alumni become part of the museum’s paleontology network and, in turn, continue to inspire the next generation of dinosaur experts.

At the Festival, visitors participated in hands-on activities related to paleontology discoveries and interacted with Museum staff working on real dinosaur fossils.

Montana State University: An interview with paleontologist Jack Horner

Paleontologist Jack Horner has advanced dinosaur science through both unique and controversial methods. His lifelong passion for dinosaurs drove him to surpass severe learning disabilities and lead the frontier of dinosaur discovery.

Interviews produced by Jim Deutsch and Charlie Weber. Videography by Charlie Weber and Marinna Guzy. Editing by Michael Headley